NIGHTINGALES & BOMBERS

Still, some great guitar riffs, gorgeous backing vocals are present during the excellent opening song. "Spirit In The Night" is a great rock song. It holds anything fans of this genre are found of. One of the highlights of course.

It is of course difficult to compare one of their albums with the great "Solar Fire". Still, a song as "Countdown" is so full of energy that one has to admit that this band has definitely something special to offer. Far from most of the clichés : the band plays some hard rock music (and has obviously listened to Purple). That's for sure. And even if "Countdown" is short, it is the second highlight.

It is not really much the case for the bluesy "Time Is Right". But not all tracks can be of great value on an album. Especially if you take under consideration than "MMEB" is not the absolute top in terms of rock (nor prog) music. A good band playing good music. I believe that this is fair enough. Their skills being in the front line during "Time Is Right". It sounds a bit too much as "Time" from whom you might know at times. Another good track, for sure.

But let's face the truth : this album has little to do with "Solar Fire". Just another follower as "The Good Earth" but less imaginative or powerful as the masterpiece could be. And when compared to "The Good Earth", one has to admit that this effort is somewhat weaker. I was rather disappointed with my purchase some thirty three years ago.

I do not listen very often to this album. And I guess that there aren't a lot of prog friends who have made this album their absolute maximum. At least, I hope so for them.

There are some excellent guitar breaks, as usual. But don't we expect some more from this band? Especially after the great "Solar Fire"?. I can understand that a song as "Visionary Mountain" sounds pleasant, but frankly the end of it is just a remake of their greatest song so far. "Father Of Day." (a cover BTW).

As usual, there are some great instrumental parts and to be honest, they are the most achieved form this work. Don't expect great vocal melodies, smooth ballads, gorgeous classic themes. You just won't get it.

This album is one out of many good hard-prog rock combinations. There are no true highlights. No true unbearable tunes either. But rating this album over than three stars is beyond my capabilities. They even emulate the Tramp closely during "Fat Nelly". The closing number is just a Press NextT song.

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